Feb 05, 2008. /Lesprom Network/. At Port Alberni city council's meeting, CEP union presidents and a senior Catalyst Paper mill representative discussed a deal they hope will secure the immediate future of the mill, Pulp and Paper Canada reported. Ron Buchhorn, senior VP for Catalyst Paper has agreed to an $11 million commitment that will include a CTMP (chemi-thermal mechanical pulp) expansion, re-start of the silenced PM4 and a new retirement package that will eventually result in recalls for 200 younger workers. Ron Buchhorn was at the council meeting to ask for an additional tax reduction of $125 thousand per year, over and above the $300 thousand annual reduction previously agreed to by the city. Industrial property taxes will be reduced by the extra $125 thousand per year for 5 years, giving a total of $2.125 million tax relief over 5 years. The paper mill once employed 1,500 people and was the lifeblood of the community, but now employs just 200 senior workers. Catalysts tax contribution, at $5.7 million, makes up 80% of the industrial property taxes paid to Port Alberni.